The Stormers have unveiled a formidable 56-man squad for the 2026/27 United Rugby Championship (URC) season, with the return of Springbok stars Siya Kolisi and Cheslin Kolbe providing the biggest talking point.
Director of Rugby John Dobson has named veteran centre Ruhan Nel as captain as the Cape Town-based franchise prepares to compete in both the URC and Champions Cup.
The squad features significant international experience, with 17 internationals included, among them 15 Springboks. Four members of the Junior Springboks’ championship-winning team from earlier this year have also been included as the Stormers continue to blend established stars with emerging talent.
Kolisi and Kolbe headline returning stars
Kolisi’s return is particularly notable, with the loose forward bringing 118 Stormers appearances back to the squad. Kolbe, meanwhile, returns with 49 caps for the franchise, while prop Wilco Louw also makes his way back after previously representing the Stormers on 52 occasions.
The trio adds considerable experience to a group that still contains 18 players from the Stormers’ 2021/22 URC-winning campaign.
The squad also includes established figures such as Damian Willemse, Deon Fourie, Neethling Fouché, Leolin Zas and Warrick Gelant, alongside a group of younger players marked as under-21s.
Stormers prepare for demanding opening tour
The Stormers will begin their campaign away from home, with a two-match URC tour taking them to Ireland and Scotland.
Their opening fixture will be against Connacht in Galway before they travel to Edinburgh for their second match.
The Stormers will then return to Cape Town for a run of four consecutive matches at DHL Stadium, giving the squad an early opportunity to build momentum in front of home supporters.
Full Stormers 2026/27 squad
Props: Neethling Fouché (114), Oli Kebble (57), Sazi Sandi (52), Wilco Louw (52), Vernon Matongo (22), Ntuthuko Mchunu (19), Zachary Porthen (15), Hencus van Wyk (2), Herman Lubbe* (1), Olly Reid* (1)
Hookers: André-Hugo Venter (89), JJ Kotzé (58), Lukhanyo Vokozela (4), Vernon Paulo (0), Luca Bakkes (0)
Locks: JD Schickerling (74), Adré Smith (69), Connor Evans (40), Gary Porter (19), Riley Norton* (0)
Loose forwards: Deon Fourie (141), Siya Kolisi (118), Marcel Theunissen (95), Evan Roos (87), Ben-Jason Dixon (86), Hacjivah Dayimani (64), Paul de Villiers (36), Keke Morabe (19), Louw Nel (13), Ruan Ackermann (10), Wandile Mlaba* (2), Divan Fuller* (0)
Scrumhalves: Stefan Ungerer (47), Imad Khan (18), Cobus Reinach (9), Ezekiel Ngobeni (0), Jayden Brits* (0)
Flyhalves: Jean-Luc du Plessis (61), Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu (53), Jurie Matthee (29), Yaqeen Ahmed* (1), Kyle Smith* (0)
Centres: Ruhan Nel (90), Wandisile Simelane (41), Jonathan Roche (16), Markus Muller* (1), Josh Boulle (0)
Wings: Leolin Zas (99), Seabelo Senatla (74), Cheslin Kolbe (49), JC Mars* (3), Mfundo Ndhlovu (1), Joel Leotlela (0), Gino Cupido* (0)
Fullbacks: Damian Willemse (118), Warrick Gelant (77)
An asterisk denotes an under-21 player.
Dobson confident in Stormers depth
Dobson believes the Stormers have assembled one of their deepest squads in recent seasons, with the composition reflecting the franchise’s longer-term Project 2029 objectives.
The coach pointed to the combination of experienced players who have remained with the team, returning Stormers icons and younger prospects progressing through the club’s development system.
Last season, the Stormers fielded a team that collectively had 1,569 Stormers caps, highlighting the level of experience within the organisation.
Dobson said the franchise wants to build on that foundation after reaching the URC playoffs in Cape Town and competing against leading clubs in knockout matches away from home.
With experienced campaigners providing the backbone and the Stormers Rugby Institute continuing to develop younger players, the franchise believes it has sufficient depth to compete across both major competitions.
The immediate challenge, however, will be a demanding start on the road.
The Stormers travel to Galway next week knowing their new-look campaign will quickly test the depth and experience of this star-studded squad.
